A margarita is simply three ingredients, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. While that classic sour is delicious in its original form, flavorful twists transform the cocktail into something more. Ready to celebrate National Margarita Day with a new take on the familiar flavor?
With the popularity of agave based spirits soaring, the margarita continues to be a popular choice. While National Margarita Day or dinner at a Mexican restaurant might put the cocktail front of mind, the beverage can be more than frozen or on the rocks. In many ways, choosing a particular spirit, switching the sour ingredient, or adding a few additional flavors can make the drink quite sophisticated. ‘
Since the margarita is basically a sour cocktail, that balance between the pucker and the sweet is key. Using fresh, sophisticated ingredients makes the flavor even more enjoyable. Everyone knows the difference between a mass produced sour mix and a fresh, juice based mixer.
Many mixologists have found ways to highlight fruits, spices, and other ingredients in the margarita. From using the potent yuzu to bringing in some smoky notes, these simple swaps have everyone rediscovering why the margarita is always a satisfying cocktail.
Shake up the classic sour cocktail’s flavors for National Margarita Day.
DELEÓN DeSour Margarita
While the margarita is a sour cocktail, this version adapts the concept of a whiskey sour with a wine floater. In addition to the striking visual, the flavor will have people taking a moment to contemplate. This cocktail feels like it should be enjoyed in a darkened speakeasy versus on a sandy beach.
Ingredients:
1oz DELEÓN Reposado
1oz Fresh Lemon Juice
0.5oz Agave Nectar
0.5oz Red Wine Float
Glass: Rocks
Garnish: Dehydrated Orange
Method:
In a shaker, combine DELEÓN Reposado Tequila, lemon juice, and agave nectar. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the mixture is chilled. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Carefully pour the red wine over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the cocktail.
Spicy Seed Margarita
The spicy margarita has become a staple. This version is brighter due to the cucumber and jalapeno infused tequila. In a way, it is a spicy skinny margarita with its simple ingredients. Also, adding some sparkling water or other sparkling beverage turns the cocktail into a spritz.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Infused Tequila
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
Method:
Place all ingredients into shaker with 1.5 cups of ice. Shake 30 seconds (totally underrated and makes the cocktail), pour into a glass. Garnish with a lime and/or cucumber slice and serve.
Smoky Margarita
Smoky notes are often enticing. While this cocktail does not require a smoke box, the underlying qualities capture that layered flavor. Also, Nixta is the ingredient that more people need to use. The slightly sweet corn liquor can be used in all types of cocktails.
Ingredients
1.5 oz Maestro Dobel Humito
.5 oz Nixta corn liquor
.5 oz agave syrup
.75 oz lime
2 dashes of Cacao Angostura bitters
Method:
Shake and strain on the rocks. Garnish with tajin
Orancio Margarita
While the margarita is often associated with Mexico or Mexican food, it can travel to other countries and regions, too. This version brings a taste of Italy with Savoia Orancio. Who says that a margarita cannot be enjoyed with a plate of pasta?
Ingredients:
Savoia Orancio
Tequila Blanco
Fresh Lime Juice
Agave Nectar
Method:
Squeeze half part fresh lime juice into your shaker
Add 1 part Tequila Blanco
Add 1 part Savoia Orancio
Add 1 bar spoon of agave nectar & stir
Add ice to your shaker
Shake + strain into a glass
Yuzu Margarita
Yuzu offers a vibrant, slightly pungent citrus flavor. In this cocktail, the Soju brings that flavor. Additionally, that liquor amplifies the alcoholic content. This cocktail should be sipping cautiously.
Ingredients
1oz Yuzu + Elderflower KTOWN Soju
1oz Cointreau
1oz Tequila
0.75oz Lime Juice
Method:
Combine ingredients, shake and serve over ice.
These twists on the classic margarita are perfect for National Margarita or anytime the thirst for the sour cocktail hits. The cocktail might start with three ingredients but there are endless options to transform the signature foundation.